Apparatus for fluid delivery in a dialysis clinic

ABSTRACT

A modular fluid transport system is provided for transporting fluids in a dialysis clinic from a fluid source to the dialysis machines. The system includes modular ductwork and modular fluid conduits. The connecting stations may include quick detachable interface manifolds which allow dialysis machines to be easily changed out. The components of the fluid transport system may be heat sterilized. The components of the system may be prefabricated off site and then quickly assembled in the dialysis clinic. Flexibility in the arrangement of equipment within the clinic is provided for.

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/065,780 filed Apr. 23, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a portable system fortransporting fluids from a source of purified water or dialysate toindividual dialysis machines in a dialysis clinic.

[0003] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that presentsystems used for fluid delivery to dialysis machines in dialysis clinicpose problems due to limited space and incidence of bacterialcontamination. Furthermore, these systems are installed as permanentfixtures, making them expensive to install, expensive to disinfect,expensive to repair, and expensive to replace. Presently used systemsinstalled as permanent fixtures physically depreciate over time, withoutthe tax advantage of financial depreciation allowed for non-permanentequipment.

[0004] The prior art systems provide fluids from a fixed water treatmentplant in one part of a building to the dialysis machines in anotherroom. This distance requires that long “runs” be used to transportfluids from the water treatment facility to the dialysis machines. Thismeans that the prior art systems use large runs of piping.

[0005] It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art thatbacterial contamination is a common problem in presently availablesystems. Standard plumbing design and polyvinyl chloride pipes arecommonly used. The use of PVC piping and solvent welding methods ofjoining and fabrication of existing fluid delivery systems results inthe creation of cavities which cannot adequately be disinfected byconventional clean in place procedures used by dialysis clinics.

[0006] It will be further appreciated that there is a broad range of PVCmixtures utilizing a variety of stabilizers and plasticizers which overtime leach into the fluid stream, and that the interior pipe surfacebecomes pitted and more conducive to trapping bacteria and supportingbacterial growth.

[0007] It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art thatpresent systems require a significant amount of space, restrictingmobility within a dialysis clinic and making the use of moreheat-resistant yet expensive tubing, such as polytetrafluoroethylene(Teflon®) tubing cost prohibitive. Instead the predominant currentpractice for dialysate distribution piping makes use of chemical cleanin place disinfection in materials (e.g. PVC) which are incompatiblewith heat disinfection. Furthermore, present systems are piped inpermanent structures; chaises or bulky consoles that do not permit easyaccess, repair or replacement.

[0008] It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art thatheat disinfection means are preferable to chemical disinfection means inthese systems. Chemical disinfectants presently in use include strongoxidizing agents. Residual disinfectant not adequately flushed from thesystem poses a hazard to patients. For example, a common chemicaldisinfectant, formaldehyde, has been shown to cause some repeat dialysispatients to develop antibodies to the N-antigens on the surface of theirown red blood cells. The present invention facilitates the use of heatdisinfection by providing materials of construction that can be operatedat high temperature.

[0009] It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that,despite the use of chemical disinfectants, present systems stillexperience problems with bacterial contamination. Regular assay forendotoxin in the system is required. Furthermore, multiple connectionpoints and ready access to those connections makes current systems moresusceptible to deliberate tampering by unauthorized personnel.

[0010] What is needed then is a system which facilitates heatdisinfection and eliminates solvent welded joints. This needed systemmust eliminate “dead legs” in the system. A “dead leg” is generallydefined as a dead end length of pipe of greater than five pipe diametersin length. This needed system must decrease equipment surface area inthe dialysis clinic, facilitating disinfection. This needed system mustprovide replaceable components which are easily installed, repaired, andreplaced, yet protected from potential tampering by unauthorizedindividuals. This needed system must be capable of use without beingattached to real property. This needed system must use quick disconnectsto permit easy placement of components. This needed system is presentlylacking in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A fluid transport system is provided for communicating a sourceof fluids to at least one fluid-requiring instrument. The system isparticularly designed to communicate ultra-pure water and additives to adialysis machine in a dialysis clinic.

[0012] The system includes modular ductwork which includes a pluralityof removable ductwork segments defining a secondary containment chamber.A plurality of conduits are received through the ductwork for carryingfluids from the source to the fluid requiring instrument. Any fluidsleaking from the conduits are caught in the secondary containmentchamber.

[0013] Each conduit of the plurality of conduits may be made up of aplurality of removable interconnecting fluid conduit segments.Preferably the system includes interchangeable modules, with each moduleincluding modular ductwork made up of a plurality of ductwork segments,and with each module including a plurality of conduit segments whichcorresponds to the plurality of conduits. Each conduit segment has adetachable coupling on at least one end thereof.

[0014] The system may be installed either on the wall of a room, orextending into the interior area of a room. Those portions of the systemextending into the interior of a room are supported on columns whichpreferably include lockable casters to provide mobility of the supportcolumns within the room.

[0015] At various locations throughout the system stations are providedfor connection of the system to a dialysis machine. Each connectingstation preferably includes a first manifold block to which the conduitsare directly connected, and a second manifold block which is connectedto the first manifold block by a plurality of quick connect couplings.The second manifold block further carries a second plurality of quickconnect couplings which are specifically designed for connection to aparticular brand and model of dialysis treatment machine. The dialysistreatment machines may be quickly changed by disconnecting the secondmanifold block from the first manifold block, and replacing the secondmanifold block with another manifold block having quick connectcouplings specifically associated with another type of dialysis machine.

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aportable system for transporting fluids from a source of purified waterto individual dialysis machines in a dialysis clinic.

[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is the provision of amodular fluid transport system for communicating a source of fluids toat least one fluid-requiring instrument.

[0018] Still another object of the present invention is the provision ofmodular fluid transport systems for dialysis clinics, wherein the systemis made up of a plurality of interchangeable modules.

[0019] And another object of the present invention is the provision of amodular fluid transport system which can be heat sterilized.

[0020] Still another object of the present invention is the provision ofa fluid transport system having quick connect stations for connection ofa dialysis machine or other fluid-requiring instrument.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is the provision of aquick connect station for a fluid transport system, wherein theinstrument to be connected to the station can be disconnected andreplaced without interfering with the flow of fluid through the system.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is the provision ofmethods of installing a fluid transport system for a dialysis clinic.

[0023] Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art uponreading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a modular fluid transportsystem in a dialysis clinic.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the system ofFIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 3 is an isometric end view of one embodiment of ductworksegment.

[0027]FIG. 4 is an isometric end view of another embodiment of ductworksegment.

[0028]FIG. 5 is an elevation view of an interior run of the transportsystem of FIG. 1, showing supporting columns on lockable casterssupporting the fluid transport system from the floor.

[0029]FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another interior fluid transportsystem portion having back to back ducts allowing connection of dialysismachines on either side of the ductwork system.

[0030]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of one of the outlet plates at adialysis connection station of the system of FIG. 1.

[0031]FIG. 8 is a schematic sectioned view showing the connection ofsome of the fluid outlets on the outlet plate of FIG. 7.

[0032]FIG. 9 is a schematic sectioned view showing the connection ofsome of the indicator lamps of the outlet plate of FIG. 7.

[0033]FIG. 10 is a schematic sectioned view showing the location of theelectrical outlet of the outlet plate of FIG. 7.

[0034]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of two adjacent ductwork segments ofthe system of FIG. 1, showing the manner in which the ductwork segmentsare structurally connected to each other.

[0035]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of two back to back ducts suchas used in the system of FIG. 6, showing in cross-section the structuralconnecting devices.

[0036]FIG. 13 is a schematic elevation view of an alternative embodimentof the fluid transport system.

[0037]FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of the fluid transport system likethat of FIG. 13, which includes an expansion joint in some of the fluidconduits.

[0038]FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a universal manifold block towhich the conduits of the system of FIG. 13 are directly connected.

[0039]FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view of the universal manifoldblock of FIG. 15.

[0040]FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of an interface manifold blockconstructed to be quick connected to the universal manifold plate ofFIG. 15.

[0041]FIG. 18 is a right side elevation view of the interface manifoldblock of FIG. 17.

[0042]FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the interface manifold blockof FIG. 17 mounted on the universal manifold block of FIG. 15.

[0043]FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of a second interface manifoldblock which is specifically designed for connection to one particulartype of dialysis machine.

[0044]FIG. 21 is a schematic elevation sectioned view of the interfacemanifold block of FIG. 20.

[0045]FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of still another interfacemanifold block designed for use with another specific type of dialysismachine.

[0046]FIG. 23 is a schematic elevation sectioned view of the manifoldplate of FIG. 22.

[0047]FIG. 24 is an elevation-sectioned view showing an alternative typeof ductwork system within which the fluid transport system of FIG. 13may be mounted. A universal manifold block is shown mounted within theductwork. The manifold block of FIG. 24 is slightly modified as comparedto the view seen in FIG. 16 of the manifold block. FIG. 24 showsintegral shut off valves.

[0048]FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the end connection between adjacentductwork segments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THE EMBODIMENTS OFFIGS. 1-12

[0049] The structure shown in FIGS. 1-12 is also shown and described inour co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/065,780 filed Apr.23, 1998, the details of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 1, a fluid transport system is shown andgenerally designated by the numeral 10. The system 10 transports variousfluids from a source 12 to a plurality of dialysis machines 14 in adialysis treatment clinic 16.

[0051] The source 12 may either be a conventional built in place systemfor providing pure water and additives to the dialysis clinic, or morepreferably it may be a portable system constructed in accordance withU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/122,000 filed on Jul. 24, 1998, ofPeterson, et al, entitled “Portable Water Treatment Facility”, thedetails of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] Source 12 is a system for producing water from a reverse osmosispurification system. It may also be a source of deionized water.

[0053] Those portions of the fluid transport system within the dialysisclinic 16 include a modular ductwork 18 which preferably is made of aplurality of removable interchangeable ductwork segments such as 20 and22. Ductwork 18 may also be referred to as a conduit housing.

[0054] In order to enhance the modular nature of the system 10 and tominimize the time and labor required for assembly thereof, the longerlength runs of the ductwork 18 will preferably be assembled from aplurality of substantially identical interchangeable standard lengthductwork segments such as 20 and 22. In order make corners, and toprovide vertical segments, various shaped interconnecting ductworkfittings will be provided. Additionally to complete some installationsit will be necessary to use some custom fabricated components.

[0055] At least some of the ductwork segments such as 20 and 22 may bemounted on an interior face of a wall of the room which defines theclinic 16. Other ones of the ductwork segments such as 23 are freestanding segments extending from the wall into the interior of the room.The details of construction of the free standing ductwork segments 23are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The free standingductwork segments 23 are supported on portable columns or stands 104having lockable casters 106 engaging a floor 108 of the room of thedialysis clinic 16. Also shown in FIG. 5 are vertical portions 110 ofductwork 18.

[0056]FIG. 6 illustrates two parallel runs of ductwork 18 placed back toback with their connecting stations 68 facing outward away from eachother, so as to provide plumbing, electrical and telecommunicationutilities to adjacent rows of dialysis machines 14 within the interiorof the clinic. This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 12 by the twodialysis machines 14 schematically illustrated on opposite sides of theinterior ductwork segment 23.

[0057]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment 18A of the ductwork which is anextrusion having first and second cavities 24 and 26 extending therethrough. The extrusion may be formed from aluminum, plastic or othersuitable material.

[0058]FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment 18B of the modular ductworkhaving first, second and third cavities 28, 30 and 32 defined therethrough.

[0059]FIG. 11 illustrates the manner in which two adjacent) ductworksegments such as 20 and 22 may be structurally connected together.

[0060] The extruded structural duct shapes of FIGS. 3 or 4 includeexternal channels such as 34 and 36. T-nuts 38 are slidably received inthe channels 34 and 36. Connector straps 40 and 42 span the junction 44between adjacent ductwork segments 20 and 22. Screws 46 extend throughthe straps 40 and 42 and threadedly connect with the T-nuts 38 so as toclamp the straps 40 and 42 in place.

[0061]FIG. 12 similarly illustrates two lengths of duct 18 which arerunning in parallel and which are supported from each other, in a manneranalogous to that further described below with regard to FIG. 6. In theembodiment of FIG. 12, a strap 48 encircles the two parallel conduits18, and the strap 48 is connected structurally to the conduits withT-nuts 38 and screws 46 in a manner like that described for FIG. 11.

[0062] The extruded ducts of FIGS. 11 and 12 also provide a structuralsupport for various associated equipment, which may be hung fromchannels 34 and 36 using connectors like the T-nuts 38 and screws 46.

[0063] As seen in the elevation view of FIG. 2, the ductwork 18preferably carries a plurality of generally parallel fluid conduits suchas 50, 52, 54 and 56. For example, the first conduit 50 may carrypurified water or dialysate from source 12. The second, third and fourthconduits 52, 54 and 56 may carry various additives for the water fromthe source 12 or storage tanks and may include a drain connection forthe removal of effluents from the machine.

[0064] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, one possiblearrangement of the conduits within the ductwork 18 is illustrated. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 12, the left-hand ductwork 18 carries two fluidconduits 50 and 52 in the upper cavity 28, a third fluid conduit 54 inthe intermediate cavity 30, and a power cable 58 and communicationscable 60 in the third cavity 32.

[0065] The cavities 28 and 30 which carry the fluid conduits 50, 52 and54 may be described as including secondary containment chambers 62 and64 for containing liquid which may leak from the fluid conduits 50, 52or 54.

[0066] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the conduits such as 50, 52, 54 and56 may each be a continuous length of tubing which extends through atleast two adjacent ductwork segments such as 20 and 22.

[0067] It will be understood that when the source 12 and the dialysisclinic 16 are separated by a substantial distance, such as when thesource 12 is located on a different floor of the building or isotherwise located a substantial distance from the clinic 16, an initialsegment 66 (See FIG. 1) of each of the fluid conduits may run freelythrough the walls, floors or other utility openings of the building, andneed not be contained within the modular ductwork 18. These initialportions of conduit will preferably be relatively long lengths offlexible conduit, which are run from a spool of conduit.

[0068] Interspersed within the ductwork 18 are a plurality of connectingstations 68. The connecting stations 68 may also be referred to asconnecting plates or outlet plates. The connecting stations 68 arefluidly connected to the fluid conduits such as 50, 52, 54 and 56 andalso to the power cable 58 and communications cable 60.

[0069] As been seen in FIG. 7, the connecting station 68 has first andsecond ends 70 and 72 and has a front surface 74. As best seen in FIGS.5 and 6, the ends 70 and 72 are connected to the ductwork 18. Theconnecting station 68 includes a sheet metal outer housing 75 extendingfrom first end 70 to second end 72. Contained within the housing 75 onthe left portion thereof is a manifold block 94 as best seen in FIG. 7which extends from left end 70 to a right end 96 of manifold block 94. Ahollow housing portion 98 extends from right end 96 of manifold block 94to the right end 72 of housing 75.

[0070] The various fluid conduits contained in the ductwork 18 areconnected to passageways formed through the manifold block 94 ofconnecting station 68. The passageways typically are longitudinal boresextending from first end 70 to second end 96. A plurality of outletports such as 77, 79, 81 and 83 communicate with the passageways andthus communicate with the fluid conduits 50, 52, 54, 56 respectively.Quick connect couplings 100 (See FIG. 8) are mounted in the outlet ports77, 79, 81 and 83 for connection of those ports to the dialysis machine14 via a bundle of flexible hoses schematically indicated as 76 in FIGS.1 and 2. It will be understood that the hoses of bundle 76 need notactually be bundled together, and they may be separate hoses.

[0071] Continuing with the description of the connecting station 68 atFIG. 7, the communications cable 60 is connected to communicationsoutlet 78 which includes a quick connect adapter for connection of thedialysis machine 14. The data communications outlet 78 may be utilizedto connect the dialysis station 14 to a monitoring device of a centralmonitoring system.

[0072] Various monitors associated with the connecting station 68 areconnected to indicator lights such as 80, 82 and 84 which indicatewhether the system is in a normal mode of operation, a disinfectantmode, or alarm mode. The disinfectant mode is indicated when hot wateror chemical disinfectants are being flushed through the system. Thealarm mode is illuminated when an abnormality in the operation of thesystem is detected.

[0073] The power cable 58 is connected to a power outlet 86 on theconnecting station 68.

[0074]FIG. 8 is a schematic section view taken through the three outletports, 79, 81 and 83, and shows the same connected to three of thepassageways through connector plate 68, which passageways are designatedas 88, 90 and 92. As previously noted, the passageways 88, 90 and 92typically extended from first end 70 to second end 96 of the manifoldblock 94, which is typically a solid block of a machineable materialsuch as plastic. The passageways 88, 90 and 92 extend through the solidblock 94 from first end 70 to the second end 96.

[0075] The hollow housing portion 98 of connecting station 68 containsthe communications outlet 78, the indicator lights 80, 82 and 84, andthe power outlet 86.

[0076]FIG. 8 only illustrates three passageways 88, 90 and 92. It willbe understood that there will be additional passageways for each fluidconduit connected to the connector plate 68.

[0077] The fluid conduits such as 52, 54 and 56 are connected to thepassageways 88, 90 and 92 at the first end 70 and second end 96 of thesolid manifold block 94. The section views of FIGS. 9 and 10 through thehollow portion 98 of connecting station 68, schematically illustrate thefluid conduits 52, 54 and 56 which are connected to the passageways 88,90 and 92 at the second end 96 of solid block portion 94.

[0078] As seen in FIG. 10, a second power outlet 102 may be mounted inthe upper surface of the hollow housing portion 98 of connecting station68. All outlets are integrally ground fault interrupt protected.

[0079] The various ductwork segments, such as 20, 22, 23 and connectingstation 68 are releasably connected together to allow various componentsof the system 10 to be removed for service and disinfection. Afterremoval, components such as the connecting station 68 and ductworksegments 20, 22 and 23 can be replaced by a like component while thereplaced component is being disinfected or serviced.

[0080] The removability of the various components also aids in theability to heat disinfect the components. Those components which are incommunication with the fluids, and particularly the fluid conduits 50,52, 54 and 56, are preferably constructed from a material which isstable at a temperature of at least 105 degrees Celsius applied for aperiod of at least twenty (20) hours to facilitate heat disinfection.Some suitable materials include polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropyleneor cross-linked polyethylene tubing. In the preferred embodiment suchtubing may be sterilized by autoclaving prior to use. It may also besterilized by the transmission of heated fluid such as steam therethrough. It may also be chemically disinfected.

THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 13-24

[0081] An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 13-24. A representative portion of this alternative fluidtransport system is shown in schematic elevation view in FIG. 13 and isgenerally designated by the numeral 122. Like the system 10 of FIG. 1,the fluid transport system 122 is designed to transport fluids from asource such as the source 12 to a fluid-requiring instrument such as thedialysis machines 14.

[0082] There are several primary differences between the system 122 ofFIG. 13 and the system 10 of FIG. 1. First, the system 122 primarilyutilizes relatively short rigid plastic conduit segments which areconnected together by detachable couplings, which preferably are unions.Second, the outer ductwork of the system 122 is preferably formed ofsheet metal rather than the extruded shapes of FIGS. 3 and 4; it isnoted, however, that the system 122 may also use extruded ductwork likethat described for the system 10. Third, the connecting station has beengreatly modified to provide for a rapid changeout of a dialysis machine.In FIG. 13, the ductwork is not shown, so that the details ofconstruction of those components within the ductwork may be seen. Thedetails of the ductwork are more clearly seen in the cross sectionalview of FIG. 24.

[0083] The system 122 includes five fluid conduits 124, 126, 128 130 and132. Each of these conduits, such as for example conduit 124, includes aplurality of removable conduit segments, such as adjacent segments 134and 136 of the conduit 124. Adjacent conduit segments such as 134 and136 are joined by a detachable coupling 138 which is a conventionalunion with o-ring seals. As will be understood by those skilled in theart, the union has first and second parts 140 and 142 which will befixedly attached, such as by plastic welding, to the adjacent pipesegment, and a rotating collar 144 which is used to connect the parts140 and 142 of the union.

[0084] Also shown in FIG. 13 are a typical elbow fitting 147 for makinga right angle bend in the fluid transport system 122, and the typical Tfitting 149.

[0085]FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a portion of the system of FIG.13 with the addition of expansion joints 176 located in the first andfourth conduits 124 and 130.

[0086] Much of the fluid transport system 122 is defined byprefabricated standard interchangeable system modules such as indicatedat 146 and 148.

[0087] Each system module such as 146 includes a conduit segment such as134 for each of the fluid conduits 124 through 132. A detachablecoupling such as 138 is attached to at least one end of each fluidconduit segment.

[0088] The modular system 10 or 122 of the present invention may providemodular piping segments such as 134 or modular ductwork segments such as20 and 22 or combined modular piping and ductwork segments 146 inconvenient lengths. For example, a typical modular element 146 may havea length of approximately eight feet. The pipe conduit segments 134 willhave male or female union connections on either end. The ductworksegments will have attachments for interconnecting with adjacentductwork segments.

[0089] There can be lengths of the system 122 in which the systemmodules 146 and 148 include only piping and no fluid connection stationsfor the dialysis machines, but in the operating portion of the dialysisclinic many of the system modules such as 146 and 148 will include aconnecting station 150 for connection of one of the dialysis machinessuch as 14 shown in FIG. 2. The connecting stations 150 may also bereferred to as connecting plates or outlet plates.

[0090] As was the case with the preferred materials for the system 10 ofFIG. 1, each of the fluid conduits 124 through 132 is preferablyconstructed from materials which are stable at a temperature of at least105 degrees Celsius supplied for a period of at least twenty (20) hours,so as to facilitate heat disinfection. Each of the fluid conduits, andparticularly each of the removable conduit segments is preferablyconstructed from polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, or cross-linkedpolyethylene.

[0091] It has been determined that these materials are superior for usein a hemodialysis clinic, because they are less likely to give offcontaminating gases, or to leach undesirable materials such as fillers,plasticizers, stabilizers, etc., as compared to the typical priormaterial polyvinylchloride. The use of these materials allows heatsterilization of the conduits in place within the system 122. This maybe accomplished by flowing hot fluids such as steam there through. Thisis particularly desirable for conduits used to conduct fluids in whichbacterial growth is particularly a problem. In the case of a dialysismachine, this is particularly true for the first conduit 124 whichtypically conducts pure water and the fourth conduit 130 which maytypically be used to conduct a bicarbonate solution.

[0092] Furthermore, each system module 146 and 148 will be associatedwith and supported within a segment of sheet metal ductwork such as theductwork 152 shown in FIG. 24. Ductwork 152 may also be referred to as aconduit housing. At periodic intervals the conduits 124-132 aresupported from the ductwork 152 by brackets such as 151.

[0093] The ductwork 152 defines a single containment passageway orchamber 154 in which all of the fluid conduits 124 through 132 arereceived. The lower portion 156 of the passage 154 may be defined as asecondary containment chamber 156 for catching any fluids leaking fromthe fluid conduits 124 through 132.

[0094] In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 24 it is seen that theductwork 152 includes a base portion 158 and a cover portion 160. Thebase portion 158 includes a back wall 162 and a bottom 164 with anupward extending lip 166 to define the secondary containment chamber156.

[0095] The cover portion 160 includes a front wall 168, a top 170 and adownward extending lip 171. The front wall 168 and lip 166 overlap andare held together by an S-shape clip 173 which runs along the length ofductwork 152. The lip 171 and back wall 162 overlap and are heldtogether by an S-shape clip 172 which runs along the length of ductwork152.

[0096] The base portion 158 of the ductwork 152 is mounted on a support174 which may be a wall of the room, or which may be a vertical columnsupport such as support 104 seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0097] At intervals along the length of the conduits 124, 126, 128, 130and 132, those conduits are supported from the back wall 162 by bracketssuch as bracket 151 seen in FIG. 13.

[0098] The ductwork 152 is preferably formed in prefabricated segmentscorresponding to the length and dimensions of the system modules 146 and148. Those prefabricated segments may come in several pieces so as toallow the fitting of the ductwork with the connecting stations 150. Theductwork 152 may include openings and access panels associated with theconnecting stations 150 and with other components.

[0099] The ends of the pre-fabricated segments are joined together byH-shape clips 153 as shown in FIG. 25.

[0100] The details of construction of the connecting station 150 arebest seen in the side elevation view of FIG. 19 which is a view takenalong line 19-19 of FIG. 13. The connecting station 150 includes a firstmanifold block 176 which is directly connected to the conduits 124through 132, and a second manifold block 178 which is detachablyconnected to first manifold block 176 by first plurality of quickconnect couplings 180.

[0101] The first manifold block 176 may also be referred to as aconnector plate or outlet plate. The second manifold block 178 may alsobe referred to as an adapter plate.

[0102] The details of construction of the first manifold block 176 arebest shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Manifold block 176 is preferablyconstructed from a rectangular block of solid plastic material,preferably the same material from which the fluid conduits areconstructed. The manifold block 176 has front and rear surfaces 182 and184, and has first and second end surfaces 186 and 188.

[0103] A plurality of supply passages 190, 192, 194, 196 and 198 extendin a parallel fashion through the block of material from the first end186 to the second end 188. Adjacent each of the end walls 186 and 188 acounter bore such as 200 defines a socket 200 for receiving and end ofan associated one of the fluid conduits 124 through 132. The fluidconduits 124 through 132 are preferably connected to the first manifoldblock 176 by heat welding or other suitable technique to provide a rigidand permanent attachment.

[0104] The connections between the piping and the sockets 200 on themanifolds such as 176 or the union fittings 138 are preferably formed bysocket fusion welding. Socket fusion welding is a technique by which theplastic is heated to the melting point within heating dies, and then thecomponents to be joined are forced together. This technique is preferredbecause the potential for forming interstitial spaces, voids, cracks,etc., is minimized or eliminated altogether. Voids and cracks constitutesites for potential bio-growth and make dis-infection difficult.

[0105] Each of the supply passages 190 through 198 tees into a shortlaterally extending portion intersecting the front surface 182, whichmay be referred to as an interface surface so as to define a firstplurality of interface ports 202, 204, 206, 208 and 210 on the frontsurface 182.

[0106] The second manifold block which is 178 is best shown in the frontand side views of FIG. 18. Second manifold block 178 has a front surface212 and a rear surface 214. The rear surface 214 may be referred to as asecond interface surface 214, and the front surface 212 may be referredto as an outlet surface 212.

[0107] The first manifold block 176 may be referred to as a universalmanifold block 176, and the second manifold block 178 may be referred toas an interface manifold block 178.

[0108] The second manifold block 178 has a plurality of intermediatepassages such as 216, 218, 220, 222 and 224 defined therethrough fromthe rear surface 214 to the front surface 212. Each of the intermediatepassages 216 through 224 intersects the rear surface 214 at one of asecond plurality of interface ports which are complementary to andaligned with the ports 202 through 210.

[0109] The first plurality of quick connect couplings 180 each include afirst part 226 which is threadedly connected into one of the ports 202through 210 of first manifold block 176, and a second part 228 which isthreadedly connected to the corresponding port in the second manifoldblock 178.

[0110] The quick connect couplings 180, may for example be thosemanufactured and sold under the Parker, Colder, or Walther Prezisionbrands.

[0111] Those skilled in the art will be familiar with such couplings andwill understand that they allow the second manifold block 178 to bequickly disconnected from the first manifold block 176 without the lossof fluids from the fluid passages 190 through 198. As the quickdisconnects 180 are disconnected, spring-loaded valves contained in eachof the parts 226 and 228 close the flow passage there through.

[0112] Additionally, a plurality of threaded hose fittings 230 (see FIG.19) are connected to the front surface 212 of the second manifold block178 to provide for connection to the hoses of the hose bundle 76 fromthe dialysis machine 14.

[0113] The hose interface manifold block 178 is not specific to anyparticular type of dialysis machine. Two additional examples ofsubstitute second manifold blocks, specifically designed for use withspecific dialysis machines, are shown in FIGS. 20 through 23.

[0114]FIGS. 20 and 21 are front and side elevation views, respectively,analogous to FIGS. 17 and 18, of an interface manifold block 230particularly designed for use with a Cobe brand dialysis machine. It isnoted that on the back surface 232 of the interface manifold block 230,there are found the second parts 228 of quick connect couplings 180which are identical in construction and arrangement as the second part228 of couplings 180 shown in FIG. 19. Thus, the substitute interfacemanifold block 230 may be substituted for the interface manifold block178 by merely disconnecting the quick connect couplings 180 shown inFIG. 19, and then reconnecting the interface manifold block 230 of FIG.21 in place of the original interface manifold block 178.

[0115] The front surface 234 of the substitute interface manifold block230 carries various fittings such as 236, 238, 240, 242 and 244 whichare specifically constructed for connection to the Cobe brand dialysismachine.

[0116]FIGS. 22 and 23 show front and side elevation views of yet anothermachine specific interface manifold block 246 particularly designed foruse with an Althin brand dialysis machine. Again, the interface manifoldblock 246 carries quick connect coupling portions 180, 228 on its rearsurface 248, which will interconnect the couplings on the universalmanifold block 176. Again, the front surface 250 carries a plurality ofmachines specific quick connect couplings designed for use with theAlthin machine.

[0117] It is noted that FIGS. 21 and 23 are not true side elevation orsection views, but instead they schematically illustrate the specificstructure of the various couplings which are attached to the interfacemanifold block 230 or 246.

[0118] A connecting station like station 150 shown in FIG. 19 includingthe first and second manifold blocks 176 and 178 with the quick connectcouplings 180 therebetween provides several advantages.

[0119] Primarily, it allows the dialysis machine 14 to be exchanged fora different dialysis machine 14 of a different make and model. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that each given make and model ofdialysis machine typically has associated therewith its own machinespecific group of quick connect couplings which are used to connect thedialysis machine to a station of a dialysis clinic. Two examples ofdifferent dialysis machines are the Cobe machine associated with theconnectors of FIGS. 20 and 21, and the Althin machine associated withthe connectors of FIGS. 22 and 23. In the prior art, a connectingstation for a dialysis machine has typically been permanently installedin a rigid permanent wall and is suitable for connection only to onetype of dialysis machine. If the machines used in a given clinic arechanged, the entire system must be shut down and replumbed to providesuitable connections for the new machines.

[0120] With a connecting station like that shown in FIG. 150, thesecondary manifold blocks 178 may be constructed in a form which arespecific to a given make and model of dialysis machine. The firstmanifold block 176, however, is a universal design which need not everbe changed.

[0121] If it is desired to change the type of dialysis machine beingutilized, all that need be done is to remove the second manifold block178 by disconnecting the quick connect couplings 180 and to replace thesecond manifold block 178 with another second manifold block which hasquick connect couplings on its front surface 212 particularly designedfor use with the new dialysis machine.

[0122] This construction for the connecting station 150 eliminates whatare known as “dead legs” within the piping system. Industry standardsprovide that in order to eliminate areas within the plumbing wherefluids do not readily flow and bacteria may grow in stagnant fluid,there should be no portions of the conduit passageways in excess of fivepipe diameters in length which do not have free flowing fluidtherethrough. The use of the primary and interface manifold blocks withthe quick connect couplings therebetween provides a manner ofcommunication between the dialysis machine 14 and the fluid conduitswhich eliminates the presence of any such dead legs of greater than 5pipe diameters in length. Furthermore, all of the components of theconnection station may be readily removed and sterilized then replaced.

[0123] In FIG. 24 a slightly modified version of the universal manifoldblock 176 is shown and generally designated by the numeral 252. Themanifold block 252 is similar to the manifold block 176 except for theaddition of inline shut off valves such as 254 which lead from thepassageways such as 190 to the outlet port such as 202. The shut offvalves 254 are simple 90 degree valves which are operated with a flatend screwdriver which may be inserted into slot 256.

[0124] In FIG. 24, the interface manifold plate 178 has not been shown,but it will be understood that it is mounted on the manifold block 252in the same manner as shown in FIG. 19. The front wall 170 of the sheetmetal ductwork 152 will have an appropriate cut out opening thereinthrough which the front surface of the interface manifold block 178, 230or 246 with its associated fittings may extend for connection to thedialysis machine 14.

[0125] Also shown in FIG. 24 is the preferred location for theelectrical power cable 58. The communications cable 60 is alsopreferably located in the general area of the power cable 58.

MANNER OF INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND USE

[0126] Either of the modular fluid transport systems 10 or 122 aredesigned to be pre-fabricated at an off site manufacturing facility andthen transported to and installed within the dialysis clinic 16. Thusthe modular fluid transport system 10 or 122 will in fact be sold as apiece of equipment and will not be permanently installed as part of thebuilding structure. In addition to providing many advantages regardingcost, quality control, maintenance and the like, there are taxadvantages to the purchase of depreciable equipment rather than theconstruction of the fluid transport system as a permanent part of thebuilding.

[0127] Both the ductwork and the fluid conduits, and the variouscomponents such as the connecting stations 68 or 150 are prefabricated,and then brought to the site of the clinic 16 where they may be quicklyassembled into the systems previously described.

[0128] By use of the preferred materials for the fluid conduits, thesystem may be heat sterilized in place by flowing steam or other hotfluids there through. Additionally, any particular portion of the systemmay be readily removed for off site sterilization.

[0129] Repair of any portion of the system 10 or 122 is easilyaccomplished by simply removing and replacing the effected components.

[0130] Also as previously described with regard to the connectingstation 150, use of that arrangement allows the dialysis machines 14 tobe easily exchanged for different models and makes of machines.

[0131] The use of the system 10 or 122 also provides great flexibilityin the arrangement of the dialysis machines 14 within the clinic 16.With prior art built in place systems, this was not possible withouttearing down walls, modifying or replacing chaises and replumbing asystem. With the system of the present invention, the plumbing andoutlets may be quickly rearranged by merely changing out variouscomponents.

[0132] Although the systems 10 and 122 have been particularly describedfor use with a dialysis clinic, it will be appreciated that many of thefeatures of the present invention may be readily applied to othersystems in which it is necessary to provide very pure fluids to aninstrument which uses the fluids. For example, such systems could beutilized to provide medical gases. Such systems could be utilized in thesemi-conductor manufacturing industry. Such systems can be utilized inthe pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. In any industry where it isdesirable to be able to thoroughly sterilize a plumbing system, themodular plumbing system of the present invention may find use.

[0133] Thus it is seen that the apparatus of the present inventionreadily achieves the ends and advantages mentioned as well as thoseinherent therein. While certain preferred embodiments have beenillustrated and described for purposes of the present disclosure,numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and stepsmay be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassedwithin the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid transport system for communicating asource of fluids to at least one fluid-requiring instrument, said fluidtransport system comprising: a) modular ductwork including a pluralityof removable ductwork segments defining a secondary containment chamber;and b) a plurality of conduits received through the ductwork forcarrying fluids from the source to the at least one fluid-requiringinstrument, so that any fluids leaking from the conduits are caught inthe secondary containment chamber.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein atleast some of the conduits include continuous lengths of tubingextending through at least two adjacent ductwork segments.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein at least some of said ductwork segments are mountedon an interior face of a wall of a room.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein at least some of said ductwork segments are freestandingsegments extending from the wall into an interior of the room.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the freestanding ductwork segments aresupported on a portable column having lockable casters engaging a floorof the room.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of saidductwork segments are freestanding segments extending from the wall intoan interior of the room.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein thefreestanding ductwork segments are supported on a portable column havinglockable casters engaging a floor of the room.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein each ductwork segment comprises a single containment chamber fora plurality of fluid conduits.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein eachductwork segment comprises a plurality of containment chambers, eachcontainment chamber enclosing at least one of the conduits.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising at least one outlet plate having aplurality of outlet ports defined therein, the outlet ports beingcommunicated with the conduits.
 11. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising: a) an adapter plate having first and second sides and havinga plurality of flow passages defined therethrough from the first side tothe second side; b) a first plurality of quick-connect fittingsconnecting the outlet ports of the outlet plate to the flow passages onthe first side of the adapter plate; and c) a second plurality offittings connected to the flow passages on the second side of the outletplate, for connecting the instrument to the conduits.
 12. The system ofclaim 1, wherein each conduit of the plurality of conduits includes aplurality of removable conduit segments, each conduit segment beingassociated with and supported within one of the ductwork segments. 13.The system of claim 12, wherein each of the removable conduit segmentsis joined to an adjacent removable conduit segment by means of adetachable coupling.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein each removableconduit segment is constructed from a material which is stable at atemperature of 105 degrees Celsius applied for a period of at least 20hours, to facilitate heat disinfection.
 15. The system of claim 14,wherein each removable conduit segment is constructed of polypropylene.16. The system of claim 14, wherein each removable conduit segment isconstructed of polytetrafluoroethylene.
 17. The system of claim 14,wherein each removable conduit segment is constructed of cross-linkedpolyethylene.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein each conduit of theplurality of conduits comprises at least one segment of flexible tubing.19. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid-requiring instrument is ahemodialysis machine.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein one of saidfluids comprises water from a reverse-osmosis purification system. 21.The system of claim 19, wherein one of said fluids comprises deionizedwater.
 22. A portable hemodialysis treatment facility comprising: a) aportable water purification system for preparation of water anddialysate; b) a plurality of removable interconnecting fluid conduitsegments fluidly connected to the portable water purification system forcarrying fluid from the water purification system to at least onehemodialysis machine; and c) modular ductwork including a plurality ofremovable ductwork segments wherein said fluid conduit segments arehoused.
 23. A modular fluid transmission system comprising: a) a modularductwork assembly including a plurality of ductwork segments andconnectors on the ends of the ductwork segments for connecting adjacentductwork segments; b) a plurality of conduit segments mounted withineach ductwork segment; and c) a detachable coupling on at least one endof each conduit segment.
 24. The modular fluid transmission system ofclaim 23, further comprising a support column for supporting saidductwork assembly from a floor of a room.
 25. The modular fluidtransmission system of claim 24 wherein said support column furthercomprises lockable casters contacting said floor of said room formobility of said support column and said ductwork assembly.
 26. Themodular fluid transmission system of claim 23 wherein at least some ofsaid conduit segments are rigid.
 27. The modular fluid transmissionsystem of claim 26 wherein said rigid conduit segments are composed ofpolymer compound which is stable at temperatures of 105 degrees Celsiusfor 20 hours.
 28. A modular fluid transport system for providing fluidsto medical equipment, said fluid transport system comprising: a) aplurality of interchangeable conduit segments used to form a fluidconduit; b) a detachable coupling on at least one end of each conduitsegment; c) a support for the fluid conduit; and d) at least oneconnecting station for fluidly connecting the medical equipment to atleast one of said interchangeable fluid conduit segments.
 29. Themodular fluid transport system of claim 28 wherein the support comprisesa conduit housing.
 30. The modular fluid transport system of claim 29wherein the conduit housing is fastened to an interior wall of a room.31. The modular fluid transport system of claim 30 wherein the supportfurther includes at least one mobile ground-engaging member supportingthe conduit housing.
 32. The modular fluid transport system of claim 31wherein the mobile ground-engaging member comprises a stand fitted withlockable casters.
 33. The modular fluid transport system of claim 28,further comprising quick-connect fluid couplings connected to the fluidconduit segments through the connecting plate, wherein the quick connectfluid couplings fluidly connect the medical equipment to the fluidconduit.
 34. The modular fluid transport system of claim 28 wherein themedical equipment comprises at least one hemodialysis machine.
 35. Afluid supply connecting station for connecting a dialysis machine to aplurality of supply conduits, comprising: a) a first manifold blockhaving a plurality of supply passages defined therein for connection tothe plurality of supply conduits, the first manifold block having afirst interface surface defined thereon, each of the supply passagesintersecting the first interface surface at one of a first plurality ofinterface ports defined on the first interface surface; b) a secondmanifold block having a second interface surface and an outlet surfacedefined thereon, the second manifold block having a plurality ofintermediate passages defined therein, each of the intermediate passagesintersecting the second interface surface at one of a second pluralityof interface ports complementary to the first plurality of interfaceports, and each of the intermediate passages intersecting the outletsurface at one of a plurality of outlet ports; c) a first plurality ofquick-connect couplings connecting the first plurality of interfaceports of the first manifold block to the second plurality of interfaceports of the second manifold block; and d) a second plurality ofquick-connect couplings connected to the plurality of outlet ports forconnecting the second manifold block to a first dialysis machine. 36.The fluid supply connecting station of claim 35, further comprising: a)a third manifold block interchangeable with the second manifold blockfor connecting a second dialysis machine in place of the first dialysismachine; and b) a third plurality of quick-connect couplings connectedto the third manifold block for connecting the third manifold block tothe second dialysis machine, the third plurality of quick-connectcouplings being different from the second plurality of quick-connectcouplings.
 37. The fluid supply connecting station of claim 35, furthercomprising: a plurality of shut-off valves, disposed in the firstmanifold block, each of the shut-off valves being associated with one ofthe ports of the first plurality of interface ports for blocking theassociated port.
 38. A method of installing a fluid transport system ofa dialysis clinic, comprising: a) fabricating a plurality of systemmodules at an off-site location, each module including a plurality ofconduit segments having detachable couplings on at least one end, and asupport for the conduit segments; b) transporting the modules to aclinic site; c) assembling the modules at the clinic site by connectingadjacent conduit segments of adjacent system modules with the detachablecouplings; and d) connecting a plurality of dialysis machines to thefluid transport system.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein: step (a)includes providing some of the system modules with a connecting stationincluding a first manifold block, a second manifold block and aplurality of quick connect couplings connecting the first and secondmanifold blocks; and step (d) includes connecting each of the dialysismachines to the second manifold block of one of the connecting stations.40. The method of claim 39, wherein: step (a) includes providing each ofthe connecting stations with a second plurality of quick connectcouplings attached to the second manifold block; and step (d) includesconnecting each of the dialysis machines to the associated secondmanifold block with the associated second plurality of quick connectcouplings.
 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: removing oneof the dialysis machines and its associated second manifold block andsecond plurality of quick connect couplings; and replacing the removeddialysis machine with a replacement dialysis machine, a replacementsecond manifold block, and a replacement second plurality of quickconnect couplings.
 42. The method of claim 38, wherein: step (a)includes providing each of the system modules with a ductwork segmentwithin which the plurality of conduit segments is received; and step (c)includes connecting adjacent ductwork segments.
 43. The method of claim38, wherein the system modules are free of any dead legs of lengthgreater than five pipe diameters.
 44. A method providinginstrument-specific fluid connection to a hemodialysis machine, saidmethod comprising: a) supplying fluids from a fluid supply source to afluid outlet through a plurality of fluid conduits fluidly connectedbetween the fluid supply source and the fluid outlet; b) connecting afirst adapter plate to the fluid outlet with a first plurality ofquick-connect fittings; c) connecting a first hemodialysis machine tothe first adapter plate with a second plurality of quick-connectcouplings; d) disconnecting the first hemodialysis machine from thefirst adapter plate by releasing the second plurality of quick-connectcouplings; e) disconnecting the first adapter plate from the fluidoutlet by releasing the first plurality of quick-connect couplings; f)connecting a second adapter plate to the fluid outlet with a thirdplurality of quick-connect couplings; and g) connecting a secondhemodialysis machine to the second adapter plate with a fourth pluralityof quick-connect couplings thereby replacing the first hemodialysismachine without interrupting fluid flow through the conduits.
 45. Themethod of claim 44, wherein: the first and second hemodialysis machinesuse different kinds of connectors, and the fourth plurality ofquick-connect couplings are of different design then the secondplurality of quick-connect couplings.
 46. The method of claim 44,wherein the fluid outlet, the adapter plate, and the first and secondpluralities of quick-connect couplings are free of any dead legs oflength greater than five pipe diameters.